CORTEXT Biochemistry Flashcards
what 2 features are essential in the diagnosis of osteoporosis
reduced bone mineral density AND increased porosity
what does porosity mean
bone quality is fine there’s just not enough of it
2 main types of primary osteoporosis?
post menopausal,
osteoporosis of old age
who gets post menopausal osteoporosis
caucasian women who have an early menopause
risk factors for old age osteoporosis
poor diet lack of exercise lack of vitamin D smoking alcohol abuse chronic disease
for what conditions is osteoporosis a common co-morbidity?
steroid use alcohol abuse malnutrition rheumatoid arthritis malignancy endocrine disorders
how is osteoporosis diagnosed
DEXA scanning to check bone density
is serum calcium raised in osteoporosis
no
common treatment for osteoporosis?
vit d and calcium supplements,
bisphosphonates,
desunomab,
strontium
what is osteomalacia?
abnormal softening of the bone
what causes osteomalacia?
deficient mineralisation of osteoid (immature bone) and inadequate calcium/phosphorus intake
what can cause phosphate deficiency?
renal losses eg in chronic kidney disease, hypophosphateaemia, anticonvulsant use
common causes of lack of vit d absorption
lack of sunlight
malnutrition
malabsorption
inherited disorder
common symptoms experienced in osteomalacia?
bone pain (especially in spine, pelvis and femora), soft bone deformity eg rickets, easily get fractures, pseudofractures on XR
common signs of Ca deficiency
paresthesiae, muscle cramps, irritability fatigue seizures, brittle nails
